106. Shaken on land and air

COSTA DA CAPARICA - LISBON - PORTUGAL

Early start, for us, in time to meet Mother off the plane from LHR. Remembered to de-boat the Disco as the height would have been an issue at the airport. Children and parents both excited and such a thrill when she appeared, looking surprisingly chipper for her four am start. Lovely sixteen degree day here so we went exploring. Mothers first time in Portugal with the sum of her Portuguese knowledge being that Cousin Philippa and Gianni used to live here which equals our initial knowledge. Now that we have been here three weeks we are a mine of information as my Mother discovered with four children talking to her, for her benefit, simultaneously, all day.

Belem Tower

Fairly IIID Floatplane replica

First stop was the sixteenth century Fort Belem. We were ushered into a car park right alongside to our surprise. I guess it is because my Mother is the current Rotary President for her club which is handy. First thing to grab my attention was a full scale steel replica of the Fairly Biplane that was first to cross the Atlantic from Portugal to South America. It is fantastic, with incredible detail, including valve rockers, pilot and radiators.

President Royds

Slow down - idiots

The Balam Fort is lovely and as a World Heritage site significantly important but going by the huge queue very important to some. The Portuguese Maritime history is impressive and the population is significantly proud but as I have no data therefor no Planet Explorer we remained ignorant. I was fascinated / horrified to see a traditional boat being towed, way too fast with the painter tied way too high.  Each time it got out of line the painter pulled it over, almost broaching but they never backed off. I'm sure they were professionals but it graphically illustrated that qualifications doesn't necessarily mean that there is sense.

Sensible coffee prices here

Amelia Café

We then parked again near the navel museum as I was keen to show Mother the church that had impressed me earlier but that also had a sizable queue so we satisfied ourselves instead with MacDonalds. We took the long way home, exploring old Lisbon by Disco, up and down little cobbled streets feeling a bit like a Humvee in London. A chorus in the back signalled that it was vital for Grandma to experience Lisbon Custard Tarts so it was back to the previous café that had been such a success. I dropped enthusiastic tart appreciators off nearby and embarked on a car park crawl, luckily finding a park quarter of a mile up the road.

Tuk-tuk

Audrey restocking napkins

For a treat I suggested a Tuk-tuk ride back to the car. Google maps told me that it was a two euro Uber ride so I knew it wouldn't be expensive. A Tuk-tuk was promptly hailed and we were about to embark when the driver said it was a twenty euro minimum fare! The second Tuk-tuk would do it for ten. Seeing Roman's face I was snookered. Bear in mind that a taxi from the camp to the mall, nine kilometres away is seven euro. Anyway, it was great, the kids loved it, Grandma got more turbulence* thanks to the cobbles and the driver gave us a quick tour of the local sights. Jacqueline walked and looked into a couple of shops.

Back at camp, Mother met the famous MacDonalds and checked into her Granny Flat Cabin.

*From Mothers WhatsApp to family prior to collecting bag this morning Rough flight -air hostess sat down on passenger,  box of supplies fell over in galley. Arr 9.30 UK. All well.